Formula 2 Qualifying Report – Round 10, 2025 – Hungary
In an exhilarating qualifying session for the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at the iconic Hungaroring in Budapest, Roman Stanek emerged as the standout performer, clinching the pole position with an impressive lap time of 1:28.779. This remarkable achievement not only marked Stanek’s first pole of the season but also showcased the strength of Invicta Racing, as they secured a front-row lockout with his teammate Leonardo Fornaroli taking second place.
A Thrilling Qualifying Session
As the qualifying session unfolded, tension filled the air as drivers pushed their limits on the challenging Hungaroring circuit. Stanek’s lap, set in the dying moments of the session, proved to be unbeatable. Despite a flurry of late improvements from competitors, no one could match his time. Fornaroli, who initially faced a setback when his early lap was disqualified due to exceeding track limits at Turn 1, bounced back to secure P2, finishing just 0.146 seconds behind his teammate.
The competitive nature of the session was evident as drivers vied for the top positions. Jak Crawford from DAMS Lucas Oil managed to secure third place, just a tenth of a second behind Fornaroli, showcasing the depth of talent within the field. Meanwhile, Luke Browning, who had topped the timesheets during Free Practice, continued his strong performance by claiming P4 for Hitech TGR. Although Browning appeared to be a contender for pole at one point, he ultimately fell two-tenths short of Stanek’s impressive benchmark.
Strong Performances from Other Drivers
Joshua Duerksen made a notable impression for AIX Racing, finishing in fifth place. He was closely followed by Oliver Goethe, who had a brief stint as the fastest driver mid-session while racing for MP Motorsport. However, he ultimately slipped down the order before the session concluded. Victor Martins, representing ART Grand Prix, secured seventh place, maintaining his consistent performance around the demanding Hungaroring layout.
Arvid Lindblad of Campos Racing finished in eighth position, narrowly edging out fellow Red Bull junior driver Alexander Dunne by just 0.1 seconds. Josep María Martí rounded out the top ten, securing reverse grid pole for the upcoming Sprint Race. This position offers a valuable opportunity for Martí as he continues his championship battle against Fornaroli and Verschoor.
Drama and Challenges Throughout the Session
The qualifying session was filled with drama and unexpected turns. Fornaroli’s early lap disqualification sent him plummeting to 22nd place, but he showcased resilience by recovering to secure a front-row start. Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Montoya from PREMA Racing briefly surged into the top four before ultimately finishing 18th as the session drew to a close. Other drivers, including Meguetounif, Villagómez, and Esterson, demonstrated flashes of speed but were unable to break into the top ten.
Despite slightly cooler track conditions than earlier in the day, the physical demands of the 40.7°C track temperature and high tire wear presented challenges for the drivers. These factors are likely to influence strategy for the Feature Race on Sunday. As highlighted in the weekend preview, establishing a rhythm proved crucial, and Invicta Racing clearly found their groove when it mattered most.
Invicta Racing’s Promising Outlook
With a dominant showing in qualifying, Invicta Racing appears poised to carry their momentum into the remainder of the weekend. Stanek’s achievement of securing pole position and Fornaroli’s strong second-place finish set the stage for an exciting showdown during the Feature Race on Sunday morning. The team’s performance not only underscores their competitiveness but also raises expectations for their ability to convert this advantage into race-day success.
Before the Feature Race takes place, the Sprint Race will commence on Saturday at 14:15 local time. Josep María Martí, starting from reverse grid pole, will be looking to capitalize on his advantageous position, while Browning aims to make significant gains from P7. Given the tight competition seen in both Practice and Qualifying, fans can anticipate another thrilling race weekend at the Hungaroring.
This gripping qualifying session sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting race weekend, filled with anticipation and high-stakes competition. As the drivers prepare to take to the track, all eyes will be on how the events unfold in Budapest.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the FIA Formula 2 action as the weekend progresses.
